Concerns About Glucosamine Efficacy and Safety

Glucosamine supplements have garnered significant attention, with annual sales estimated at $2 billion, but their effectiveness remains highly contested. Despite being a precursor to cartilage components, research indicates that glucosamine supplementation does not significantly contribute to cartilage formation, particularly given the marginal blood levels achieved. Studies funded by the glucosamine industry often report positive outcomes, while independent research generally shows no substantial benefits, raising red flags about publication bias and the overall reliability of the findings. Current guidelines from medical organizations strongly advise against the use of glucosamine for treating osteoarthritis, due to inconsistent results across studies and concerns regarding supplement quality.